SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will chair high-level meeting to discuss the issue of sawmills operating in the state on Thursday evening.
This was informed by Forests and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui when query was raised by Congress MLA Mayralborn Syiem on the issue of license issued to saw mills.
He informed that the total number license issued to wood-based industries in the state was 45. The total number of unlicensed sawmills operating till now in the state are 177 with district-wise break up of East Khasi Hills-47, Ri-Bhoi-71, West Khasi Hills-51, West Garo Hills-8.
Syiem expressed concern on the 177 unlicensed sawmills operating in the state. He wanted to know from the government whether the government has any plans to issue more licenses to sawmills.
Rymbui said government had no plan to issue more licenses but there was a process of issuing license based on a working scheme. Moreover, sawmills can be set up in Industrial areas.
As per the information provided by the minister, there are no unlicensed sawmills in East Jaintia Hill, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills.
